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Fredrick & Grace Mystery #1
The Mistletoe Countess
Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?
Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.
Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2021
89 people are currently reading
2959 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Basham
39 books2,641 followersPepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she works with kids who have special needs, searches for unique hats, and plots new ways to annoy her wonderful friends at her writing blog, The Writer’s Alley.
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December 12, 2021Y'ALL.
THIS WAS EVERYTHING I WANT IN A BOOK.
SO WORTH THE TEN DOLLARS I PAID AND THE HOURS OF SLEEP I LOST.
I JUST...a u g h. I have no words right now. I must review this beautiful masterpiece - believe you me, I will - only let me gather my thoughts and stop of the racing of my heart.
THIS WAS EVERYTHING I WANT IN A BOOK.
SO WORTH THE TEN DOLLARS I PAID AND THE HOURS OF SLEEP I LOST.
I JUST...a u g h. I have no words right now. I must review this beautiful masterpiece - believe you me, I will - only let me gather my thoughts and stop of the racing of my heart.
September 5, 2021
Steeped in the Christmas spirit, The Mistletoe Countess is one of the sweetest, most romantic love stories I’ve read in ages. It contains all of my favorite things in one delightful package: a gentle heroine, a hero with a past, a marriage of convenience, and loads of swoony kisses. There’s even a mystery! I feel like Pepper Basham wrote this book just for me. Highly recommended!
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December 31, 2021This was one of the most delightful books I've ever written. Many times throughout the story, Grace would take over and surprise me with her quick responses, easy humor, and creative mind. Throwing in a few of my favorite things (faith, romance, books, humor, kisses, mystery, fun secondary characters, kisses) just made it all the more fun to bring to the page! Adding Christmas was icing on top of the proverbial fruitcake, so to speak! If you're looking for a whimsical, light-hearted romance with a bit of mystery, some book-love, and a whole bunch of humor, maybe this book is for you!
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
November 11, 2022
A 5 STAR CHRISTMAS ROMANTIC MYSTERY.
The main character, Grace, was adorable and funny and obsessed with stories!
She's American, but she has to marry an English man for family and money reasons.
The progression of their relationship was sweet since they worked on becoming friends before behaving exactly like husband and wife. When they do get closer, there is a scene that is fairly descriptive of their time together before fading to black. It was unexpected to see in a Christian fiction book, but at the same time, I really appreciated how the characters treated each other in the whole thing and Grace made a point to glorify God for creating sex between husband and wife. I was torn for a bit about how I felt about the scene, but after the time, the focus totally shifted away from that part of their relationship and I really enjoyed the rest of the book!
The biggest and best stand out from this book is Grace's faith. She prayed on page, she went to church, and she trusted God despite her circumstances. She has a moment in worship at church and that scene made me cry! It was so inspiring and I felt God speak to me through it. For that reason, I had to give it 5 stars.
I also real enjoyed the mystery! Family secrets, murders, and master sleuthing is so fun! Grace was the best unconventional lead for this kind of mystery story. I loved it all!
The main character, Grace, was adorable and funny and obsessed with stories!
She's American, but she has to marry an English man for family and money reasons.
The progression of their relationship was sweet since they worked on becoming friends before behaving exactly like husband and wife. When they do get closer, there is a scene that is fairly descriptive of their time together before fading to black. It was unexpected to see in a Christian fiction book, but at the same time, I really appreciated how the characters treated each other in the whole thing and Grace made a point to glorify God for creating sex between husband and wife. I was torn for a bit about how I felt about the scene, but after the time, the focus totally shifted away from that part of their relationship and I really enjoyed the rest of the book!
The biggest and best stand out from this book is Grace's faith. She prayed on page, she went to church, and she trusted God despite her circumstances. She has a moment in worship at church and that scene made me cry! It was so inspiring and I felt God speak to me through it. For that reason, I had to give it 5 stars.
I also real enjoyed the mystery! Family secrets, murders, and master sleuthing is so fun! Grace was the best unconventional lead for this kind of mystery story. I loved it all!
August 19, 2021
Seriouslyy !! This isn't just a book.. it takes you through such expression of heart fluttering , flowing and leaping with joy.
Oh , where do I start
Do you like books ?
Do you like Anne of green gables series?
Did you ever though classics have a hidden glint of beauty for them ?
Do you like Marriage of Convince?
Do you like A daring heroine who's absolutely quirky book nerd , beautiful in & out, who has a heart to forgive and love deeply , who doesn't really think she's wonderful but is absolutely ?
Do you like a dear Daddy's daughter and a caring sister who decides to sacrifice anything for her family?
Do you like seeing how we can depend on our Lord at all times and see His love and grace weaving our lives with ppl whome we are placed with?
Then MY Dear This " BOOK " is absolutely perfect for You... Wait more than perfect ... I couldn't relate more to Grace expect she's also innocent and innovative and exciting.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK even if your answer to a few questions is No.
What do you want me to tell about Lord Astley... Frederick is a person who is always looked over by his family, who sought love in ppl and could never find it, who being blamed for wrongs he didn't do , who still has a gapping hole guilty is trying to dig in him... Yet not overseen by God .. God writes his story in a very unexpected moves yet perfect for Him to see the Truth
The way he comes to Love Grace is absolutely wonderful 😁💗
And ohh !! Have I mentioned a dashing & stunning first kiss 😉.. yep. Great kisses
Dive into this beautifully written story by Pepper bashem
This is my first read from her.. definitely definitely not the last .. I assure you that.
*Thank you Netgally for giving me a ARC in exchange for honest review
All thoughs are true to every word
Oh , where do I start
Do you like books ?
Do you like Anne of green gables series?
Did you ever though classics have a hidden glint of beauty for them ?
Do you like Marriage of Convince?
Do you like A daring heroine who's absolutely quirky book nerd , beautiful in & out, who has a heart to forgive and love deeply , who doesn't really think she's wonderful but is absolutely ?
Do you like a dear Daddy's daughter and a caring sister who decides to sacrifice anything for her family?
Do you like seeing how we can depend on our Lord at all times and see His love and grace weaving our lives with ppl whome we are placed with?
Then MY Dear This " BOOK " is absolutely perfect for You... Wait more than perfect ... I couldn't relate more to Grace expect she's also innocent and innovative and exciting.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK even if your answer to a few questions is No.
What do you want me to tell about Lord Astley... Frederick is a person who is always looked over by his family, who sought love in ppl and could never find it, who being blamed for wrongs he didn't do , who still has a gapping hole guilty is trying to dig in him... Yet not overseen by God .. God writes his story in a very unexpected moves yet perfect for Him to see the Truth
The way he comes to Love Grace is absolutely wonderful 😁💗
And ohh !! Have I mentioned a dashing & stunning first kiss 😉.. yep. Great kisses
Dive into this beautifully written story by Pepper bashem
This is my first read from her.. definitely definitely not the last .. I assure you that.
*Thank you Netgally for giving me a ARC in exchange for honest review
All thoughs are true to every word
February 23, 2023
This will be a long one because I am so torn! It was an entertaining and uplifting read but there were a lot of things that bothered me.
Grace, Lillias and their father travel together to meet Lillias’s new fiancé. The wedding is planned for the following week but when Lillias’s secrets come to light the marriage contract is in jeopardy. Luckily Lillias’s father has a second daughter, Grace, who is maybe slightly unorthodox but brave enough to step in.
At the beginning I adored that Grace was so much like Anne Shirley. Who doesn’t love an intelligent, well-read eleven year old with boundless imagination? And isn’t it entertaining that she always says the wrong thing? Well, yeah, but only if it’s an eleven year old. Grace was nineteen and quirks of an eleven year old unfortunately didn’t suit her well. Her positive attitude and cheerful personality were inspiring enough and could have done without the verbal diarrhea.
Instead of charming she looked silly and naïve and just not like other girls. Anne Shirley was way more polished at nineteen. If you then add her patronizing fiancé referring to her as “child” the love story becomes cringy if not outright creepy.
I needed a moment to recover from that thought but after that I liked how enthusiastic and accepting both Grace and Frederick were about their union. Despite the circumstances they were determined to make the best out of it and it was very refreshing and comforting. On top of that this book has a rare and my absolutely favorite quality which is NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP 😍😍😍
What I also loved, Grace was not a damsel in distress. She was confident and knew her worth. She also didn’t need to be rescued by her man, instead she was very capable of rescuing him when needed! You go girl!
This is a clean romance, so only fade to black, but there was a lot of kissing and even more talk about kissing. So. Much. Talk. Grace just wouldn’t shut up about lips and Frederick’s kisses. The word kiss appeared in this book 160 times. We get it, Grace enjoyed kissing. Which is okay, we all do. Other girls just don’t talk about it all the time, but as we know Grace was not like other girls.
Grace was smart but I think she had some sort of an emotional dysregulation disorder because there was something very wrong with her emotional responses. When she should have been scared she was excited, when she should have been sad and angry she only saw how hot her husband was when sad and angry. It wasn’t very credible and even less relatable; who would be thrilled to know that their life was in danger?!
I’m a sucker for romance with a mystery subplot so that part was very appreciated even though the mystery was a little underwhelming and not exactly mysterious. However more than anything I was outraged by how much the characters in this book were willing to sacrifice to avoid a scandal. I know these were different times, but still.
Important note, if you decide to pick it up brace yourself for a lot of God and prayers. It’s not preachy but if you’re not an ultra religious Christian it may be too much.
I’m reading the sequel so wish me luck!
Grace, Lillias and their father travel together to meet Lillias’s new fiancé. The wedding is planned for the following week but when Lillias’s secrets come to light the marriage contract is in jeopardy. Luckily Lillias’s father has a second daughter, Grace, who is maybe slightly unorthodox but brave enough to step in.
At the beginning I adored that Grace was so much like Anne Shirley. Who doesn’t love an intelligent, well-read eleven year old with boundless imagination? And isn’t it entertaining that she always says the wrong thing? Well, yeah, but only if it’s an eleven year old. Grace was nineteen and quirks of an eleven year old unfortunately didn’t suit her well. Her positive attitude and cheerful personality were inspiring enough and could have done without the verbal diarrhea.
Instead of charming she looked silly and naïve and just not like other girls. Anne Shirley was way more polished at nineteen. If you then add her patronizing fiancé referring to her as “child” the love story becomes cringy if not outright creepy.
I needed a moment to recover from that thought but after that I liked how enthusiastic and accepting both Grace and Frederick were about their union. Despite the circumstances they were determined to make the best out of it and it was very refreshing and comforting. On top of that this book has a rare and my absolutely favorite quality which is NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP 😍😍😍
What I also loved, Grace was not a damsel in distress. She was confident and knew her worth. She also didn’t need to be rescued by her man, instead she was very capable of rescuing him when needed! You go girl!
This is a clean romance, so only fade to black, but there was a lot of kissing and even more talk about kissing. So. Much. Talk. Grace just wouldn’t shut up about lips and Frederick’s kisses. The word kiss appeared in this book 160 times. We get it, Grace enjoyed kissing. Which is okay, we all do. Other girls just don’t talk about it all the time, but as we know Grace was not like other girls.
Grace was smart but I think she had some sort of an emotional dysregulation disorder because there was something very wrong with her emotional responses. When she should have been scared she was excited, when she should have been sad and angry she only saw how hot her husband was when sad and angry. It wasn’t very credible and even less relatable; who would be thrilled to know that their life was in danger?!
I’m a sucker for romance with a mystery subplot so that part was very appreciated even though the mystery was a little underwhelming and not exactly mysterious. However more than anything I was outraged by how much the characters in this book were willing to sacrifice to avoid a scandal. I know these were different times, but still.
Important note, if you decide to pick it up brace yourself for a lot of God and prayers. It’s not preachy but if you’re not an ultra religious Christian it may be too much.
I’m reading the sequel so wish me luck!
December 14, 2022
I'm 100% sure anything Pepper writes I will love at this point. The Mistletoe Countess is such a WONDERFUL romantic mystery to read at Christmas time! 5 big stars! Our main character of Grace was my FAVORITE - she made me laugh and cheer her on. I loved how she always stands up for the truth and what is right! She is someone who I could see being the best of friends with because she reminds me of myself at times!
But this book ya'll - IT'S THE ROMANCE FOR ME! Set in 1913 Virginia and England, this story is centered around Grace taking her sisters place as Frederick Percy's "wealthy American bride" that he must marry to keep his family's estate going - as they are in dire need of funds. Grace does a selfless thing and takes her sister's place due to a situation that arises from her sister's choices. Grace and Frederick are learning how to be a married couple together for the first time, while living with his family at his estate and things get crazy and myterious really fast as we learn all about Frederick's family, their past and everything in between....
Grace and Frederick are probably in my top 5 couples of the year. I honestly loved how refreshing they were together. Seeing them learn how to be married, work together and growing to love each other - even in their messiness - it was beautiful. It was so realistic and Grace was so much fun. I also love how they both became sleuth's trying to figure out the mystery together. I love a good cozy mystery and this also had many of those vibes.
The faith content in this book also was so great!
What a unqiue story and romance. I can't wait to read the next book to see what Grace and Frederick get in to next!
But this book ya'll - IT'S THE ROMANCE FOR ME! Set in 1913 Virginia and England, this story is centered around Grace taking her sisters place as Frederick Percy's "wealthy American bride" that he must marry to keep his family's estate going - as they are in dire need of funds. Grace does a selfless thing and takes her sister's place due to a situation that arises from her sister's choices. Grace and Frederick are learning how to be a married couple together for the first time, while living with his family at his estate and things get crazy and myterious really fast as we learn all about Frederick's family, their past and everything in between....
Grace and Frederick are probably in my top 5 couples of the year. I honestly loved how refreshing they were together. Seeing them learn how to be married, work together and growing to love each other - even in their messiness - it was beautiful. It was so realistic and Grace was so much fun. I also love how they both became sleuth's trying to figure out the mystery together. I love a good cozy mystery and this also had many of those vibes.
The faith content in this book also was so great!
What a unqiue story and romance. I can't wait to read the next book to see what Grace and Frederick get in to next!
November 9, 2022
This is a cute Christian fiction Christmas time read! The characters were quirky and it has some great humor. The setting was also so nice but I wasn’t a fan of some of the content. The descriptions of some sexual content were personally too descriptive for me, even tho it is between a married couple. The amount of times “moans” were mentioned wasn’t necessary to me.
There were also times the main character was pretty immature. It’s a cute read but was not an all time fav! My issues with the sexual content are just my personal convictions, for others it may be no issue at all.
There were also times the main character was pretty immature. It’s a cute read but was not an all time fav! My issues with the sexual content are just my personal convictions, for others it may be no issue at all.
January 6, 2023
I wanted to love it. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed.
I enjoyed many aspects of the book, especially the literary references. I related to Grace’s love for books and comparing them to real life, but I found her to be a little too much with that (responding to almost every comment in conversations with pointing out how close it was to this or that book/character). As much as I love to talk about books, I would find this annoying in real life. 🤣 I didn’t fall in love with the characters and found Grace to also be a little immature/naive — which can be endearing in some cases, but not this time for me.
I LOVE marriage of convenience stories so I was really excited about this book. However, It felt like the beginning of the book was mostly Frederick and Grace getting to know each other ... mostly physically. Yes, they are married ... but I don’t need or want to read their discovery of each other physically ... and the amount of times I read “his kisses trailed down her neck” was one time too many times. There’s also a fade to black scene that I didn’t love to see especially in Christian fiction. All of their passionate kissing moments (which seemed to be on every other page and if they weren’t kissing they were at least thinking about it) were far too descriptive for my tastes. Just my personal opinion. Her descriptions of said moments were also a little repetitive.
However I really enjoyed most other aspects of their relationship: Grace’s faith, and her personal relationship with God was sweet, and the unconditional love and grace she extended to Frederick through all of the pain of his past and heartache he faces was lovely. Frederick was good for Grace as well and I think he helped her mature a little bit. ;)
The mystery part of the book didn’t really pick up until maybe the last quarter of the book and I enjoyed that more because we were no longer so focused on the romance of the relationship. It felt a little rushed and I wanted a little more, but it was still interesting.
I also feel like this book just didn’t line up with reality in many ways, and I get it. Books are many times an escape from reality, but I just couldn’t relate to the characters or the story and wasn’t super invested.
The few great things about this book weren’t enough to raise my rating because I was just done with the physical descriptions of the relationship. 😅
I’d recommend 18+ for sure.
I enjoyed many aspects of the book, especially the literary references. I related to Grace’s love for books and comparing them to real life, but I found her to be a little too much with that (responding to almost every comment in conversations with pointing out how close it was to this or that book/character). As much as I love to talk about books, I would find this annoying in real life. 🤣 I didn’t fall in love with the characters and found Grace to also be a little immature/naive — which can be endearing in some cases, but not this time for me.
I LOVE marriage of convenience stories so I was really excited about this book. However, It felt like the beginning of the book was mostly Frederick and Grace getting to know each other ... mostly physically. Yes, they are married ... but I don’t need or want to read their discovery of each other physically ... and the amount of times I read “his kisses trailed down her neck” was one time too many times. There’s also a fade to black scene that I didn’t love to see especially in Christian fiction. All of their passionate kissing moments (which seemed to be on every other page and if they weren’t kissing they were at least thinking about it) were far too descriptive for my tastes. Just my personal opinion. Her descriptions of said moments were also a little repetitive.
However I really enjoyed most other aspects of their relationship: Grace’s faith, and her personal relationship with God was sweet, and the unconditional love and grace she extended to Frederick through all of the pain of his past and heartache he faces was lovely. Frederick was good for Grace as well and I think he helped her mature a little bit. ;)
The mystery part of the book didn’t really pick up until maybe the last quarter of the book and I enjoyed that more because we were no longer so focused on the romance of the relationship. It felt a little rushed and I wanted a little more, but it was still interesting.
I also feel like this book just didn’t line up with reality in many ways, and I get it. Books are many times an escape from reality, but I just couldn’t relate to the characters or the story and wasn’t super invested.
The few great things about this book weren’t enough to raise my rating because I was just done with the physical descriptions of the relationship. 😅
I’d recommend 18+ for sure.
September 1, 2021
'There are times when my feelings are so large, they must burst into words.'
1913. Frederick Percy, Lord Astley, must marry for money to save his family’s financially strapped estate. So he goes to America to make a deal with a very rich man to marry his eldest daughter. He signs the agreement to wed Miss Lillias Ferguson. Then he inadvertently kisses her younger sister Grace. The situation then takes a turn Lord Astley never expected and Grace volunteers to marry him in place of her sister to turn scandal away from both families.
They marry and head home to England. But not before an attempt is made on Lord Astley’s life. Followed by more attempts.
Grace is convinced something sinister is afoot and is bound and determined to discover just what is going on in this family. After all, she reads Conan Doyle and is an amateur sleuth.
Pepper Basham has just created the best story! Her concoction of Grace Ferguson was so amazing! Grace is the most delightful creature, full of exuberance and longing for an adventure of her own. She is a total bookworm and completely guileless. Grace’s character is one you’ll love to love. She is full of life, totally to the brim. She is one of those people who lives 1 Corinthians 13: ‘love is patient and kind, not jealous, boastful or proud, or rude, doesn’t demand its own way, not irritable, keeps no record of wrongs, never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.’ Grace sacrificed her own desire for adventure to help Lord Astley’s family and does it willingly. As she danced along the pages of this book, I smiled near continuously at her simply ‘being’. Grace longs for a grand adventure and believes this just may be it.
Lord Astley was developed quite well also. A man who feels he’ll never measure up and haunted by past mistakes discovers how loved he is by God and just how much he has to offer.
On the pages of this book, both Frederick and Grace discover that dreams can come true that you didn’t even know you were dreaming. Basham’s way with a story is completely irrepressible. Her way with characters is not to be missed as the reader is carried along on a wave of pure delight as the story unfolds. And she gives us more than a good dose of her charming humor. There were parts I laughed out loud! Basham also throws in a great Gothic-like mystery along the lines of Daphne Du Maurier and Agatha Christie. Well done!
I could not put this I could not put this book down! I tried, so as to prolong the reading pleasure, but my hunger to discover the ending captured me at every turn. This one is destined to be a top read for 2021! Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book via Net Galley.I was not compensated and the opinion here is entirely my own.
1913. Frederick Percy, Lord Astley, must marry for money to save his family’s financially strapped estate. So he goes to America to make a deal with a very rich man to marry his eldest daughter. He signs the agreement to wed Miss Lillias Ferguson. Then he inadvertently kisses her younger sister Grace. The situation then takes a turn Lord Astley never expected and Grace volunteers to marry him in place of her sister to turn scandal away from both families.
They marry and head home to England. But not before an attempt is made on Lord Astley’s life. Followed by more attempts.
Grace is convinced something sinister is afoot and is bound and determined to discover just what is going on in this family. After all, she reads Conan Doyle and is an amateur sleuth.
Pepper Basham has just created the best story! Her concoction of Grace Ferguson was so amazing! Grace is the most delightful creature, full of exuberance and longing for an adventure of her own. She is a total bookworm and completely guileless. Grace’s character is one you’ll love to love. She is full of life, totally to the brim. She is one of those people who lives 1 Corinthians 13: ‘love is patient and kind, not jealous, boastful or proud, or rude, doesn’t demand its own way, not irritable, keeps no record of wrongs, never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.’ Grace sacrificed her own desire for adventure to help Lord Astley’s family and does it willingly. As she danced along the pages of this book, I smiled near continuously at her simply ‘being’. Grace longs for a grand adventure and believes this just may be it.
Lord Astley was developed quite well also. A man who feels he’ll never measure up and haunted by past mistakes discovers how loved he is by God and just how much he has to offer.
On the pages of this book, both Frederick and Grace discover that dreams can come true that you didn’t even know you were dreaming. Basham’s way with a story is completely irrepressible. Her way with characters is not to be missed as the reader is carried along on a wave of pure delight as the story unfolds. And she gives us more than a good dose of her charming humor. There were parts I laughed out loud! Basham also throws in a great Gothic-like mystery along the lines of Daphne Du Maurier and Agatha Christie. Well done!
I could not put this I could not put this book down! I tried, so as to prolong the reading pleasure, but my hunger to discover the ending captured me at every turn. This one is destined to be a top read for 2021! Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book via Net Galley.I was not compensated and the opinion here is entirely my own.
August 17, 2021
1913 Virginia and England
This cover is adorable!
The Mistletoe Princess is an example of a titled European finding a wealthy American bride. Lord Frederick Percy travels to Virginia with a contract signed and plans to marry Lillias Ferguson. When revelations come to light, younger, whimsical sister Grace offers to marry him instead.
Grace is an avid reader and applies lessons or plots from novels to most any situation. This aspect of the novel was delightful.
After Frederick and Grace marry, they make their transition to life in England. Grace doesn't fit the expectations of what Lady Percy should be and her ideas and actions add spice to the sedate home.
While I enjoy mysteries, it wasn't my favorite aspect of this novel. It primarily surfaced in the second half of the novel. The words spent on kissing and other physical aspects of the relationship between Frederick and Grace will appeal to many readers, but was more than I would have preferred. Overall, a good novel that includes warm characters and a dash of humor as expected in a Basham novel.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This cover is adorable!
The Mistletoe Princess is an example of a titled European finding a wealthy American bride. Lord Frederick Percy travels to Virginia with a contract signed and plans to marry Lillias Ferguson. When revelations come to light, younger, whimsical sister Grace offers to marry him instead.
Grace is an avid reader and applies lessons or plots from novels to most any situation. This aspect of the novel was delightful.
After Frederick and Grace marry, they make their transition to life in England. Grace doesn't fit the expectations of what Lady Percy should be and her ideas and actions add spice to the sedate home.
While I enjoy mysteries, it wasn't my favorite aspect of this novel. It primarily surfaced in the second half of the novel. The words spent on kissing and other physical aspects of the relationship between Frederick and Grace will appeal to many readers, but was more than I would have preferred. Overall, a good novel that includes warm characters and a dash of humor as expected in a Basham novel.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
September 8, 2021
Oh my goodness, this book!!!!!!
You most definitely need this book in your life.
So I have read many of Pepper's books and while they are fabulous this one is off the charts AMAZING! This is her best book yet I am not sure how she'll be able to top this one.
The presentation of the story,the descriptions,the mood setting it's all just incredible!
What more could you ask for in a book, there is humor,love,laughter,swoon worthy romance,suspense,murder,an amazing plot. So many twists and turns kept me glued to this impossible to put down book.
Please,please,please Barbour Publishing, The Mistletoe Countess is not a one and done book we need a sequel!
I give this book 10 stars+.
Pub Date 01 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
You most definitely need this book in your life.
So I have read many of Pepper's books and while they are fabulous this one is off the charts AMAZING! This is her best book yet I am not sure how she'll be able to top this one.
The presentation of the story,the descriptions,the mood setting it's all just incredible!
What more could you ask for in a book, there is humor,love,laughter,swoon worthy romance,suspense,murder,an amazing plot. So many twists and turns kept me glued to this impossible to put down book.
Please,please,please Barbour Publishing, The Mistletoe Countess is not a one and done book we need a sequel!
I give this book 10 stars+.
Pub Date 01 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 2, 2023
Sweet read. Predictable at times, but I don't mind that in a Christmas romance. There was also a fun mystery to the story which added a little depth. I especially loved all the literary references. 3.5 stars.
September 11, 2022
All other romance stories must live up to this one. The End.
I loved every thing about this story. The characters came to life from page one. I can't think of two characters who firmly settled themselves in my heart quite as quickly as Grace and Frederick. Ms. Basham seamlessly, and in my opinion, perfectly develops the marriage of convenience plot with a mystery subplot and a romance that grows so authentically I couldn't stop my own heart from swooning. The humor, wit, well-developed characters, and satisfying plot had me adoring this story and marking it a top read for 2022.
I loved every thing about this story. The characters came to life from page one. I can't think of two characters who firmly settled themselves in my heart quite as quickly as Grace and Frederick. Ms. Basham seamlessly, and in my opinion, perfectly develops the marriage of convenience plot with a mystery subplot and a romance that grows so authentically I couldn't stop my own heart from swooning. The humor, wit, well-developed characters, and satisfying plot had me adoring this story and marking it a top read for 2022.
December 12, 2022
First book in the series that is off to a good start, and I recommend it. The setting is Christmas time but not really a Christmas book. The setup is believable, and the characters are humans with actions that have consequences. I enjoyed Grace who acts her age and has a grip on reality while having read a LOT of mysteries and have a vivid imagination. Has a Christian tone as to why things happen and acceptance of them. The pragmatic way Grace goes into problems is just a lot of fun. I look forward to the next book in the series.
December 8, 2023
I loved this delightful holiday story from Pepper Basham! I listened to the audio and felt the narrator did a great job. The characters were delightful and so well written. This is a truly captivating story, and I'm thrilled to hear there will be another book for Grace and Fredrick!
August 18, 2021
This is a delightful historical Christian romance with a thread of suspense set in 1913 when automobiles are just becoming popular. It started out in the Blue Ridge Mountains and ended in the countryside of Derbyshire, England. Lord Frederick Percy needs to marry into wealth in order to save his family ancestral home and estate, Havensbrook. Gracelynn Ferguson's father needs to make connections for business so he contracts with Frederick to benefit both. Grace is a refreshing free spirit with a love of life and everything and everyone she comes into contact with but reading is her passion, especially those with characters who enjoy sleuthing. She sees life from the pages of a book but in positive, straightforward way. It was so fun to watch the two get to know each other and unite over a mystery that builds gradually and involves some sleuthing as well as in their faith that means so much to them. I so enjoyed the book with the lovely settings, manor house, wonderful characters and uplifting theme. This would make a great new series with these two and other secondary characters that filled out the background to make this a rich and satisfying read. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good historical romance with a mystery to solve.
I received a complimentary ARC from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
October 30, 2021
I adore everything about this book. I’m not sure how to properly gush over it because I can’t come up with anything to accurately depict how much I love this book. It felt like a historical Hart to Hart (a TV show I have loved for years with a married couple solving mysteries). I want to hang out with Grace and let her feed my imagination with her adventures. And follow Freddie around his manor as he tells me the history of it. And have tea with Aunt Lavenia as she shocks me with her opinions. I want an entire series of adventures with these characters to watch them grow (and so I don’t have to leave them behind). It’s fun, humorous, adventurous, and full of heart! It’s lighthearted and yet holds some amazing faith elements that touch the soul.
Fans of the following will enjoy this:
marriage of convenience trope
mystery
humor
Fans of the following will enjoy this:
marriage of convenience trope
mystery
humor
August 19, 2021
In The Mistletoe Countess, author Pepper Basham has composed absolutely endearing perfection. Grace is the most adorable heroine ever written, and readers will instantly find in her a kindred spirit. And Frederick? Readers need to keep a fan or fainting couch ever close when he's on the page. Grace's imaginative but genuine heart, Freddie's swoonilicious yet wounded soul, a haunting house and a few mysteries afoot will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. I loved every word!
January 1, 2025
Y’all. Why has it taken me sooo long to read this book?! What rock have I been under?!
I was smiling like a loon from the beginning, and the smile didn’t leave my face. I had every intention of going to bed at a decent time, but once I started this book there was NO way I wasn’t going to set it down.
Grace was the cutest ball of sunshine and rainbows, and I loved her brain so much! She made me giggle and her love of fiction and words was adorable.
Freddie was just fabulous! The cement walls he had around his heart being broken down by a woman who was the “wrong choice” — and we swoon!
His brokenness that healed as the story progressed was so good!
Seriously, I ADORED the two of them and I cannot wait to go on another grand adventure with them!
5/5 stars
I was smiling like a loon from the beginning, and the smile didn’t leave my face. I had every intention of going to bed at a decent time, but once I started this book there was NO way I wasn’t going to set it down.
Grace was the cutest ball of sunshine and rainbows, and I loved her brain so much! She made me giggle and her love of fiction and words was adorable.
Freddie was just fabulous! The cement walls he had around his heart being broken down by a woman who was the “wrong choice” — and we swoon!
His brokenness that healed as the story progressed was so good!
Seriously, I ADORED the two of them and I cannot wait to go on another grand adventure with them!
5/5 stars
November 5, 2022
This book is even more delightful the second time around.♡
I hadn’t initially planned to re-read this book, but with the sequel (hopefully the first of many!) right around the corner I decided to pick this up again and I am so glad I did! It’s such a sweet, romantic, light-hearted story with the perfect amount of mystery and a healthy dose of literary references. I adore Grace and Frederick; they’re strong characters on their own and they make such a sweet couple. Grace is sweet and whimsical, and perfectly balances out the slightly broody reformed rogue, Frederick. Their romance is so swoony, steady, and heartwarming, and I loved watching their relationship grow throughout the story.
Though not entirely historically accurate, I loved the characters and overall story so much that dialogue and missed details didn't bother me at all. I cannot wait for the next one!
I hadn’t initially planned to re-read this book, but with the sequel (hopefully the first of many!) right around the corner I decided to pick this up again and I am so glad I did! It’s such a sweet, romantic, light-hearted story with the perfect amount of mystery and a healthy dose of literary references. I adore Grace and Frederick; they’re strong characters on their own and they make such a sweet couple. Grace is sweet and whimsical, and perfectly balances out the slightly broody reformed rogue, Frederick. Their romance is so swoony, steady, and heartwarming, and I loved watching their relationship grow throughout the story.
Though not entirely historically accurate, I loved the characters and overall story so much that dialogue and missed details didn't bother me at all. I cannot wait for the next one!
October 19, 2021
This is a romance novel that you never want to end because it’s so wonderful. It brought me giggles and comfort, reminding me why I love to read so much. I absolutely loved it and not only because it was Christmas time but because it had a heartfelt romance, breathtaking chemistry and cozy mystery. I loved everything about this couple. And I enjoyed how God brought them together and how sweet their friendship was. It still makes me smile. It was a perfect match in the face of so much before them.
I can not say enough good things about this. I highly recommend it if you like a clean romance.
Lastly I want to mention the belief in God part that was hopeful, comforting and so encouraging. I just wish more Christian authors had her touch.
Thanks Barbour Fiction via Netgalley
I can not say enough good things about this. I highly recommend it if you like a clean romance.
Lastly I want to mention the belief in God part that was hopeful, comforting and so encouraging. I just wish more Christian authors had her touch.
Thanks Barbour Fiction via Netgalley
June 20, 2023
WONDERFUL romantic mystery to read. It contains all of my favorite things a marriage of convenience, a hero with a past, a likable heroine, and a mystery.
Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice.....she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.
Grace does a selfless thing and takes her sister's place due to a situation that arises from her sister's choices. I loved how she always stands up for the truth and what is right! while living with his family at his estate things get mysterious as we learn all about Frederick's past.
Pepper Basham is such a phenomenal author. Honestly, you need to read all of her books! But especially this one because it is so good.
Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice.....she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.
Grace does a selfless thing and takes her sister's place due to a situation that arises from her sister's choices. I loved how she always stands up for the truth and what is right! while living with his family at his estate things get mysterious as we learn all about Frederick's past.
Pepper Basham is such a phenomenal author. Honestly, you need to read all of her books! But especially this one because it is so good.
December 3, 2021
Delightfully witty and full of vivacity, Mistletoe Countess proves that Pepper Basham is not only the queen of romance, she's also the grand dame of characterization.
Grace's quirky innocence and plucky spirit will remind readers of another beloved literary redhead from North America, and the story will thrill readers from the meet cute to the daring (albeit somewhat bumbling) rescue.
Destined to be a Christmas favorite for years to come.
Keep a cold compress handy for the characters' (and author's) abject devotion to that foreshadowing in the title--mistletoe.
Seriously, I LOVED this book, but I don't recommend it for people who are bothered by reading about "excessive" amounts of physical contact between a MARRIED couple. Basham makes no bones about Grace's delight about BEING MARRIED. ;)
I received a review copy from the publisher and this is my opinion. However, I loved it so much that I bought the audiobook. Just sayin'.
Grace's quirky innocence and plucky spirit will remind readers of another beloved literary redhead from North America, and the story will thrill readers from the meet cute to the daring (albeit somewhat bumbling) rescue.
Destined to be a Christmas favorite for years to come.
Keep a cold compress handy for the characters' (and author's) abject devotion to that foreshadowing in the title--mistletoe.
Seriously, I LOVED this book, but I don't recommend it for people who are bothered by reading about "excessive" amounts of physical contact between a MARRIED couple. Basham makes no bones about Grace's delight about BEING MARRIED. ;)
I received a review copy from the publisher and this is my opinion. However, I loved it so much that I bought the audiobook. Just sayin'.
December 23, 2024
*******Warning: I only would recommend this book for adults (ages 18+) due to very mature topics handled in this book. If you are below that range feel free to move to the next review (and come back in a few years hehe 😊)********
First reaction:
Gosh I loved this books so much!!!! Grace is by far my favorite FMC ever! Favorite book of 2024 fs!!
Full review:
Okay so I absolutely adored and gobbled this book up! It was so stinking cute and I love it! The characters 10/10 the Christmas vibes 10/10 the humor 10/10 the regency vibes 10/10 the BOOKWORM VIBES 10000/10 just perfect 🤩. But what made me love this more was the message. I think the author made a beautiful choice in choosing Grace as a main character because her innocence really taught me a few lessons. As she navigated marriage and intimacy it really made me rethink marriage and intimacy. She came into it unaffected by the world and her POV on it was really life changing. And the way both her and Fredrick constantly pointed their marriage and becoming one body back to God was so unique of a pov in a book that it was beautiful.
I think the world tries to abuse these ideas and it was beautiful to remember that God created these things and they are good. The devil has simply twisted it in the world to be something it was not created to be and still is not. And it was amazing to see even Fredrick come to that conclusion after he struggled with fornication in his past but he learns the beauty of it in marriage the way God intended it to be. It was just beautiful and touching 🥹. And the way they loved all parts of each other as well, just beautiful. This is what marriage is about folks and I just loved it. 🥰
And yes on top of that powerful message are cute and flawed characters. Hilarious book references. Solving estate mysteries based off of Sherlock Holmes and mystery novels (to Graces husband’s concern but soon acceptance) 🤣. Proprietary out the window. And loveable Christian characters and quotes. What’s more to love???? 💗 Go read this thing! Byeeeee 👌
First reaction:
Gosh I loved this books so much!!!! Grace is by far my favorite FMC ever! Favorite book of 2024 fs!!
Full review:
Okay so I absolutely adored and gobbled this book up! It was so stinking cute and I love it! The characters 10/10 the Christmas vibes 10/10 the humor 10/10 the regency vibes 10/10 the BOOKWORM VIBES 10000/10 just perfect 🤩. But what made me love this more was the message. I think the author made a beautiful choice in choosing Grace as a main character because her innocence really taught me a few lessons. As she navigated marriage and intimacy it really made me rethink marriage and intimacy. She came into it unaffected by the world and her POV on it was really life changing. And the way both her and Fredrick constantly pointed their marriage and becoming one body back to God was so unique of a pov in a book that it was beautiful.
I think the world tries to abuse these ideas and it was beautiful to remember that God created these things and they are good. The devil has simply twisted it in the world to be something it was not created to be and still is not. And it was amazing to see even Fredrick come to that conclusion after he struggled with fornication in his past but he learns the beauty of it in marriage the way God intended it to be. It was just beautiful and touching 🥹. And the way they loved all parts of each other as well, just beautiful. This is what marriage is about folks and I just loved it. 🥰
And yes on top of that powerful message are cute and flawed characters. Hilarious book references. Solving estate mysteries based off of Sherlock Holmes and mystery novels (to Graces husband’s concern but soon acceptance) 🤣. Proprietary out the window. And loveable Christian characters and quotes. What’s more to love???? 💗 Go read this thing! Byeeeee 👌
November 8, 2022
It's not often that I feel timid when it comes to writing a review, but I do in the case of this brilliant story, because I know there are no words I can string together that will come anywhere close to doing this incredible book justice! But I will do my best! For starters, I loved Grace, she is probably my favorite heroine of all time, she is so much fun in all her bookish delightfulness, she never fails to make me laugh, and I love her outlook on life! I seriously wish Grace was real because I would totally claim her as my BFF! And, Frederick, oh my stars, what a swoonilicious hunk of a hero! He is humorous, selfless, sweet, protective, caring, thoughtful, just the right amount of brooding, the tiniest bit deliciously roguish, and he's a reader! Trust me, you'll fall head over heels in love with him, and this book has plenty of kisses that are guaranteed to make you swoon!
This book is hilariously funny, it had me laughing out loud more times than I count, and in my opinion it's simply impossible for this story to not put a smile on your face.
The faith message in this book touched my heart with the reminder of who we are in Christ, how much God loves us just the way we are, and that even if our life story isn't playing out the way we thought it would the Author of life is still in control of our story and He is writing something for our lives that is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined!
The Mistletoe Countess truly contains everything you could ever want in a Christian historical romance: fantabulous characters that you fall in love with; humor; fun; an English country estate; drama; mystery; suspense; a faith message that will touch your heart; a Christmastime setting; all the bookish conversation; and of course a sigh-worthy romance that will put a giddy grin on your face, leave you hoping for a sequel, and have you gushing about it on social media with all the heart-eyes emojis!
I seriously can't find the words to describe my deep and abiding love for this story! The best way I can think of to describe it is to say, picture your perfect day and then imagine how that day would make you feel. Well, that's how reading this book made me feel, pure bliss! The Mistletoe Countess is my favorite book of Pepper's and it's one of my top 5 favorite reads of 2021!
The Mistletoe Countess is perfection! There were times I found myself re-reading lines just so I could bask in the sheer brilliance of the writing! This story is an absolutely and completely delightful romp that is guaranteed to bring immense joy to your life! Trust me, you do not want to miss this one!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, but I will definitely be purchasing it in both paperback and audio because I love it so much! My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
This book is hilariously funny, it had me laughing out loud more times than I count, and in my opinion it's simply impossible for this story to not put a smile on your face.
The faith message in this book touched my heart with the reminder of who we are in Christ, how much God loves us just the way we are, and that even if our life story isn't playing out the way we thought it would the Author of life is still in control of our story and He is writing something for our lives that is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined!
The Mistletoe Countess truly contains everything you could ever want in a Christian historical romance: fantabulous characters that you fall in love with; humor; fun; an English country estate; drama; mystery; suspense; a faith message that will touch your heart; a Christmastime setting; all the bookish conversation; and of course a sigh-worthy romance that will put a giddy grin on your face, leave you hoping for a sequel, and have you gushing about it on social media with all the heart-eyes emojis!
I seriously can't find the words to describe my deep and abiding love for this story! The best way I can think of to describe it is to say, picture your perfect day and then imagine how that day would make you feel. Well, that's how reading this book made me feel, pure bliss! The Mistletoe Countess is my favorite book of Pepper's and it's one of my top 5 favorite reads of 2021!
The Mistletoe Countess is perfection! There were times I found myself re-reading lines just so I could bask in the sheer brilliance of the writing! This story is an absolutely and completely delightful romp that is guaranteed to bring immense joy to your life! Trust me, you do not want to miss this one!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, but I will definitely be purchasing it in both paperback and audio because I love it so much! My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
September 1, 2021
I've never met a Pepper Basham book that I didn't love, but wow! There's just something absolutely irresistible about an earl, but when you get a handsome single earl like Lord Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley stuck in an disgraceful disaster of an engagement when his betrothed elopes with another man, that's something else altogether! Thanks to some quick (and possibly hasty) thinking on his intended's sister's part, the young, innocent Grace offers to take her sister's place, and marries the Duke so they can both hold up their respective ends of the betrothal bargain. In doing so, she and Frederick plow head-first into a marriage of convenience turned storybook romance, not to mention the fascinating mystery surrounding his beloved Havensbrooke. The untimely deaths of his father and brother, as well as some suspicious accidents surrounding Lord Astley, and then Grace, not to mention a resident ghost haunting a vacant wing give this story quite the Gothic vibe. For me, the best part was how obviously Freddie is head over heels in love with his new, unexpected, and nothing like what he planned wife, and getting to see a peek inside this lovely married couple romance is just absolutely refreshing! There isn't nearly enough married romance in Christian fiction, "but romance has to be worth something if people throughout all time have spent years, money, risk and a whole host of daydreams in finding it." Grace is adorable, and you'll find yourself in stitches trying to keep up with her antics. One of my favorite reads of 2021! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a review.
January 22, 2025
*Listened to this one again and loved it just as much as I did the first time.*
Well, I have another wonderful novel to add to the top of my favorites list! I listened to the audio version of The Mistletoe Countess and really enjoyed both the narration and the story.
This marriage of convenience was one that felt very authentic to me. Both Grace and Frederick were two characters that I immediately liked. I loved the way they met and even Frederick’s first reaction to the thought of Grace stepping in as his bride.
I liked so many things about this couple. First, they really talked to each other. Second, they both were determined to care for each other first as friends and then, hopefully, as something more. Third, I appreciated the pace that Frederick took in their marriage. He didn’t rush Grace, but he also did not withhold his affections. And those affections between the two of them helped to build a strong relationship together that was both emotional and eventually, physical.
Grace brought a vibrancy and vitality to her new home, as well as a wonderful imagination. Even though Frederick was a bit slow to believe that there was something sinister afoot, I really enjoyed the way they eventually worked together to solve the mystery of the dangerous events that kept befalling them.
This truly is one of my favorite books now and although I listened to the story this time, I hope to also purchase the print copy soon, too. These are characters that I am still thinking of days later.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Well, I have another wonderful novel to add to the top of my favorites list! I listened to the audio version of The Mistletoe Countess and really enjoyed both the narration and the story.
This marriage of convenience was one that felt very authentic to me. Both Grace and Frederick were two characters that I immediately liked. I loved the way they met and even Frederick’s first reaction to the thought of Grace stepping in as his bride.
I liked so many things about this couple. First, they really talked to each other. Second, they both were determined to care for each other first as friends and then, hopefully, as something more. Third, I appreciated the pace that Frederick took in their marriage. He didn’t rush Grace, but he also did not withhold his affections. And those affections between the two of them helped to build a strong relationship together that was both emotional and eventually, physical.
Grace brought a vibrancy and vitality to her new home, as well as a wonderful imagination. Even though Frederick was a bit slow to believe that there was something sinister afoot, I really enjoyed the way they eventually worked together to solve the mystery of the dangerous events that kept befalling them.
This truly is one of my favorite books now and although I listened to the story this time, I hope to also purchase the print copy soon, too. These are characters that I am still thinking of days later.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 5, 2021
Seriously without words here. I'm so cafuzzlemummied my brain has shut down...circuits fried. Overheating toe curls will do that to a bibliophile's neuro-network. But I'll try to engage some residual cells to make it through some sort of a review.
Seriously...drum roll, please...I have never, ever done this before BUT the time has finally come that I can honestly say BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!! And I never do top ten lists or best lists -- I love so many genres and so many writing styles and I'm pretty much the number one fan of whatever I'm reading at the moment, plus, I've never been able to rate books without feeling horribly guilty, like I'm cheating on my friends...
Until now.
MISTLETOE COUNTESS IS MY TOP READ FOR 2021 (and I've read 270 books so far this year!) And I'm not sure I can even explain why without giving too much of the plot away so I can't gush the way I really want to in enthusiastic fangirling overdrive.
Love, love, love this heroine. I feel for Grace the way I do for the heroines of my childhood. Anne Shirley, Jo March, Lucy Pevensie, Sara Crewe...characters who shaped my world and became lifelong friends. Grace has taken her place in this very special sisterhood, forever etched into my heart.
And this book --- I'm as drawn to it as I am to those childhood classics that literally defined me. It's the kind of story you want to hold tight and savor all the exquisite nuances that make up an unforgettable adventure. There's hope and laughter. Insightful wisdom. Deep, abiding faith. Joy -- so much joy -- even in the midst of trials.
A plot brimming with mystery and romance. Even a bit of a Gothic vibe in places. And delightful bookish references! And as unexpected as it is familiar...hmmmm, what do I mean by that? Wellllllll, I can't tell you or I'd ruin your reading experience but once you've read it, let's talk! And talk. And talk! Because there is so much depth and heart and...
Heat...wheeewwwww....this is a kissing book so you definitely need a fainting couch, smelling salts, a fan and a spare because I swear a certain scene is what fried the motor in my fan (which has been working fine all summer, mind you!)
Which leads me to Frederick. Thud. That's all. Just. Thud. (insert swooning on fainting couch emoji here.)
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Pamela Klein and she did a brilliant job of breathing life into these characters. An excellent pairing of author and narrator. So much so that when I reached the -- gasp -- end and grew somewhat despondent and bereft, I started listening to it all over again. Yep. Back-to-back listening. I've never done that before! And I loved The Mistletoe Countess as much the second time around -- if not more.
Seriously...drum roll, please...I have never, ever done this before BUT the time has finally come that I can honestly say BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!! And I never do top ten lists or best lists -- I love so many genres and so many writing styles and I'm pretty much the number one fan of whatever I'm reading at the moment, plus, I've never been able to rate books without feeling horribly guilty, like I'm cheating on my friends...
Until now.
MISTLETOE COUNTESS IS MY TOP READ FOR 2021 (and I've read 270 books so far this year!) And I'm not sure I can even explain why without giving too much of the plot away so I can't gush the way I really want to in enthusiastic fangirling overdrive.
Love, love, love this heroine. I feel for Grace the way I do for the heroines of my childhood. Anne Shirley, Jo March, Lucy Pevensie, Sara Crewe...characters who shaped my world and became lifelong friends. Grace has taken her place in this very special sisterhood, forever etched into my heart.
And this book --- I'm as drawn to it as I am to those childhood classics that literally defined me. It's the kind of story you want to hold tight and savor all the exquisite nuances that make up an unforgettable adventure. There's hope and laughter. Insightful wisdom. Deep, abiding faith. Joy -- so much joy -- even in the midst of trials.
A plot brimming with mystery and romance. Even a bit of a Gothic vibe in places. And delightful bookish references! And as unexpected as it is familiar...hmmmm, what do I mean by that? Wellllllll, I can't tell you or I'd ruin your reading experience but once you've read it, let's talk! And talk. And talk! Because there is so much depth and heart and...
Heat...wheeewwwww....this is a kissing book so you definitely need a fainting couch, smelling salts, a fan and a spare because I swear a certain scene is what fried the motor in my fan (which has been working fine all summer, mind you!)
Which leads me to Frederick. Thud. That's all. Just. Thud. (insert swooning on fainting couch emoji here.)
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Pamela Klein and she did a brilliant job of breathing life into these characters. An excellent pairing of author and narrator. So much so that when I reached the -- gasp -- end and grew somewhat despondent and bereft, I started listening to it all over again. Yep. Back-to-back listening. I've never done that before! And I loved The Mistletoe Countess as much the second time around -- if not more.
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